Introduction
Millions of people in Texas are bracing for extreme temperatures over the weekend just days after a tornado killed three people in the state. Following the tornado, Texas is now facing a new danger – an extreme heatwave.
Heat Advisory
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a heat advisory until Sunday, warning people in Texas that temperatures could feel as hot at 110F (43C) at times. Cities across Texas have opened up cooling centres for vulnerable residents.
Power Outages
Officials warn that the brutal heat will strain power grids as residents run their air conditioners. Power is out for 400,000 customers in the South as of Friday evening. According to the Poweroutage.us website, about 174,000 customers were without electricity in Texas, 152,000 were in the dark in Louisiana, 107,000 in Mississippi, and 25,000 in Florida.
Tornado in Perryton
In the small Texas town of Perryton, one person died in a mobile home park and two others were killed when a tornado devastated the downtown area on Thursday evening. At least 30 mobile homes in Perryton, population 8,000, took a “direct hit” from the tornado and were damaged or destroyed. Texas Governor Greg Abbott has signed an emergency order to expedite the state’s recovery efforts.
Other Storm-Related Deaths
In addition to the three deaths in Texas, a woman died in the northern city of Pensacola after a tree fell on her home in Florida. In Mississippi, a tree fell into a man’s garage, killing him as he was packing his car to travel to Georgia for his brother’s funeral.
Impact on Celebrations
The extreme temperatures come as the US prepares to celebrate the Juneteenth holiday on Monday, a federal holiday. The heatwave may impact outdoor celebrations and events.
Conclusion
While the tornadoes may have subsided, the extreme heat poses a new danger to millions of people across the region. With power grids already under strain, it is essential that residents take precautions to stay cool and avoid heat-related illnesses. As the world continues to face the impacts of climate change, it is crucial to remain vigilant and prepared for the unexpected weather patterns that may arise.
